DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center Review

First Thoughts on the DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center

The DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center is a one-piece scope mounting solution designed for Thompson Center rifles. Its claim to fame is a simple, robust design promising perfect ring alignment and eliminating the need for lapping. As someone who’s spent countless hours mounting scopes, chasing perfect zero, and troubleshooting alignment issues, the promise of a truly “no-lapping required” system immediately piqued my interest.

I needed a reliable mounting solution for my Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter, and the DNZ Game Reaper kept popping up in online forums. Many users praised its ease of installation and rock-solid performance. I’ve dealt with finicky multi-piece bases and rings that require shimming and endless adjustments, so the single-piece design was attractive.

Unboxing the DNZ Game Reaper, my initial impression was positive. The matte black finish was clean and even. The machined aluminum felt solid and substantial, definitely not a flimsy, lightweight piece. I immediately appreciated the simplicity. I also liked the fact that it came fully assembled as a single unit.

Compared to separate base and ring systems from Leupold or Warne, the DNZ felt less modular, but potentially more rigid. The Weaver style rings are generally cheaper, but often lack the precision I look for in a mounting system. The single-piece construction of the DNZ promised to overcome this hurdle, and hopefully eliminate common alignment issues.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design was simple and straightforward. I was excited to see if it lived up to the claims of perfect alignment and ease of installation.

Real-World Testing: Putting DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the DNZ Game Reaper on my Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter chambered in .308 Winchester at my local shooting range. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. Installation was incredibly easy. I simply placed the base on the receiver, aligned it with the existing mounting holes, and torqued the screws to the DNZ recommended specification.

The scope (a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40) sat perfectly in the rings, and the ring caps tightened evenly. No shimming or adjustments were needed. After bore-sighting, I was on paper within the first three shots and achieved a consistent 1 MOA group within ten shots. There were no issues, and the scope remained firmly in place throughout the session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the DNZ Game Reaper has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite exposure to brush and the occasional rain shower. Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to keep it looking new.

Compared to my previous experience with a two-piece base and ring setup on the same rifle, the DNZ has outperformed it significantly. The previous setup required constant adjustments and occasional re-tightening of screws. The DNZ has remained rock solid, maintaining zero consistently. I’m now confident in my scope being aligned and holding zero in any condition.

Breaking Down the Features of DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center

Specifications

• Type: 1-Pc Base & Ring Combo. This single-piece design greatly reduces potential alignment issues.
• MFG/Model: Game Reaper Thompson/Center. It’s specifically designed for Thompson Center rifles, ensuring a perfect fit.
• Style: 1-Piece. The simplicity of a one-piece design enhances rigidity.
• Finish: Black Matte. The matte finish reduces glare and blends seamlessly with most rifles.
• Material: Billet tempered 6061T6 aluminum. The use of 6061T6 aluminum provides a great balance of strength and lightweight properties.
• Ring Diameter: 1 inch. Designed for scopes with a standard 1-inch tube diameter.
• Ring Height: High. This “high” ring height allows for scopes with larger objective lenses to clear the barrel.
• Thread Length in Rings: Full 1/2 inch. This provides ample clamping force and secure scope retention.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. The single-piece design minimizes the possibility of misalignment. The high-quality aluminum construction ensures durability and consistent performance.

Performance & Functionality

The DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center performs its job exceptionally well. The perfect ring alignment ensures optimal scope performance and accuracy. The elimination of lapping is a huge time-saver and makes scope mounting incredibly easy.

The biggest strength is its simplicity and reliability. The one-piece design eliminates potential weak points and ensures a solid, consistent mount. A potential weakness might be the fixed ring height; it is a bit high for my taste on this particular rifle, but needed to clear the larger objective. It fully meets my expectations for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-install scope mounting system.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The 6061T6 aluminum feels solid and durable. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

It’s incredibly user-friendly. No special tools are required for installation, and the entire process takes only a few minutes. There’s virtually no learning curve. Even a novice can easily mount a scope with this system.

Durability & Maintenance

The DNZ Game Reaper is built to last. The high-quality aluminum and robust design ensure long-term durability. Maintenance is minimal. Simply keep it clean and free of debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center doesn’t come with many accessories, which reflects its simple, integrated design. You may want to add a set of Torx bits for your torque wrench for precise screw tightening. It’s compatible with any scope that has a 1″ tube diameter. There are no further barrel or grip accessory options for the mount itself.

Pros and Cons of DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center

Who Should Buy DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center?

The DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center is perfect for hunters and target shooters seeking a reliable, easy-to-install scope mounting solution for their Thompson Center rifles. It’s ideal for those who value simplicity, durability, and consistent performance.

Those who need adjustable ring heights or a more modular system should skip this product. Also, those who enjoy tinkering and customizing every aspect of their setup might find the simplicity limiting.

A must-have accessory is a quality torque wrench to ensure proper screw tightening and prevent damage. I recommend using a thread locker, like Loctite, to further enhance the system’s resistance to recoil.

Conclusion on DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center

The DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center is an outstanding scope mounting solution that delivers on its promises. The simple, robust design, ease of installation, and rock-solid performance make it a worthwhile investment. The price of $52.95 is more than justified by the time saved and the enhanced accuracy and reliability it provides.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a hassle-free scope mounting experience on their Thompson Center rifle. If you want a scope mount that is accurate and requires no lapping, I definitely recommend the DNZ Products 1″ High Matte Black Base/Rings/Thompson Center!